Entangled Photons Under NYC
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According to recent reports, scientists have successfully transmitted entangled photons through existing fiber-optic cables beneath New York City's streets, marking a significant advancement in quantum technology and paving the way for the development of a quantum internet.
Entangled Photons Transmission
Phenomenon in quantum physics
Definition
Quantum entanglement occurs when particles are generated, interact, or share spatial proximity in such a way that the quantum state of each cannot be described independently of the others, even when separated by large distances.
Key feature
A primary feature distinguishing quantum mechanics from classical mechanics, showcasing correlation in measurements of properties like position, momentum, spin, and polarization.
Historical Context
First described in a 1935 paper by Albert Einstein, Boris Podolsky, and Nathan Rosen, leading to the EPR paradox.
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A team at New York-based startup Qunnect has achieved a breakthrough in quantum technology by successfully transmitting and maintaining thousands of entangled photons over weeks using commercial fiber-optic lines beneath New York City
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. The experiment utilized polarization entanglement and spontaneous four-wave mixing in warm rubidium vapor to create photon pairs with wavelengths of 795 nm and 1324 nm1
. The latter, compatible with fiber networks, was transmitted over a 34-kilometer stretch of existing commercial fiber1
. To compensate for polarization shifts, non-entangled photons with known polarization were sent alongside the entangled ones, allowing for precise measurements and adjustments1
. This innovative approach demonstrated nearly 100% uptime, transmitting approximately 20,000 entangled photons per second1
.1 source
Automated Photon Distribution
hackaday.com
A fully automated system has been developed to distribute polarization-entangled photons over a 34-kilometer deployed fiber network in New York City. This groundbreaking system achieved continuous operation for 15 days with an impressive uptime exceeding 99.8%
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. The setup utilizes a pair of automated polarization compensation devices to maintain high-fidelity entanglement, even as the photons traverse the urban fiber infrastructure. This demonstration proves that round-the-clock, unsupervised distribution of quantum entanglement is possible using existing telecom equipment, opening doors for practical applications in quantum computing, sensing, and communication2
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Qunnect and NYU Collaboration
nyu.edu
In a collaborative effort, Qunnect and New York University's Center for Quantum Information Physics (CQIP) successfully distributed and preserved entanglement between two remote locations in New York City. The test, conducted on Qunnect's GothamQ network, achieved a rate of 15,000 entangled photon pairs per second over 10 miles of real fiber, with 99% uptime and without using cryogenic detectors
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. This demonstration utilized Qunnect's suite of products, including QU-SOURCE for generating pure, polarization-entangled qubits, QU-LOCK for laser stabilization, and QU-APC for active noise compensation in the fiber channel1
.1 source
Quantum Internet Implications
The successful transmission of entangled photons through New York City's existing fiber infrastructure marks a significant step towards realizing a quantum internet. This technology has the potential to revolutionize cybersecurity and transform communication networks by leveraging quantum physics principles
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. Some key implications include:
- Enhanced data protection through quantum encryption protocols
- Improved network security against potential cyber threats
- Enabling distributed quantum computing and sensing applications
- Facilitating blind quantum computing for secure cloud-based quantum operations
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. As demonstrated in New York City, the ability to maintain high-quality entanglement over metropolitan distances brings the quantum internet closer to practical implementation in urban environments worldwide3
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Related
How does this technology impact the security of current internet networks
What are the economic implications of deploying quantum internet infrastructure
How does this breakthrough affect the timeline for widespread quantum internet adoption
What role does New York City play in the development of quantum internet technology
How does this achievement influence global quantum internet initiatives
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